Joe Flacco surprised by criticism from Ray Lewis

Joe Flacco acknowledged he was surprised by the criticism he received from former teammate Ray Lewis.

Appearing on FS1 Thursday, Lewis questioned Flacco’s passion for football and also the quarterback’s leadership.

Flacco, who helped the Baltimore Ravens win a Super Bowl in Lewis’ final season with a flawless postseason run, said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh showed him the clip Friday of Lewis’ comments. Flacco acknowledged he was surprised by the criticism.

“It’s a little surprising coming from Ray,” Flacco said after Friday’s practice, via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. “But it’s been something I’ve dealt with probably back before high school. It’s just part of my personality. When things are going good, it’s questioned as if it’s a good thing. When things aren’t going as well as you might like them to be, it’s always a question as to whether my personality is that of one that fits what an NFL quarterback should be. It’s not anything I’m not used to. But it is a little bit different coming from Ray.”

In his comments, Flacco pointed to his quiet/stoic personality as a reason people confuse him for not having passion. But he also acknowledged that the criticism coming from his former teammate and the leader of the Ravens’ defense as being odd.

Flacco’s place among the league’s quarterbacks has always been a matter of great discussion for football fans. The issue of “Is Joe Flacco elite?” has even become a meme. While Flacco seems to be a step below “elite,” he did produce one elite postseason run, and he is probably more in line with say Eli Manning than Peyton Manning.

Though Flacco may not be a vocal leader, that should not be confused for him not having a passion for the game. Few players are impassioned as Lewis when it comes to firing up teammates and giving speeches. That’s something Lewis needs to recognize.

Keep in mind that this is not the first time there have been issues between Flacco and Lewis. Maybe there’s something more going on there.